[willyg]

i read the article. not sure i understand what my next step is. call my wireless provider? i've done that 2x and both times they say it's a BB issue.

the article says to do the following - however, i don't see Wi-Fi Tools in Wi-Fi Options so was unable to complete this check:
From the Home screen, click Manage Connections.
Select Wi-Fi Options.
Press the Menu key, and then click Wi-Fi Tools.
Select Wi-Fi Diagnostics.
Scroll down to the BlackBerry Infrastructure section and confirm that the settings Connecting, Authenticating Router, and Authenticating Server all have a green check mark to the right of the listing.

thanks for your help. if you think of anything else, please let me know.